The 2015 AfroBasket Champions and Nigeria’s male basketball team, D’Tigers, Wenesday left the shores of Nigeria to Tunisia to take part in the 2017 edition of the apex basketball tournament in Africa.

Speaking before the team left, captain of the side, Ike Diogu, promised that despite the team comprising new players who were not part of the 2015 victorious team, it will still give good account of itself.

He said: “Nigeria may not have the bulk of players that won the trophy in 2015 but I can assure you that the present squad is out to give a good account of themselves.

“We’ll take every team as they come and restrict ourselves to the games for maximum concentration.

“We’re not underrating any team but as the champions, we know everyone would come out smoking to dislodge us. We’re in Tunisia to do our job and that is to defend the title.”

The squad is made up of 12 official players and two project players who, according to the Nigeria Basketball Federation board, is for developmental process and the future.

Alex Nwora, head of the technical crew and coach said the team is going to do its best in Tunisia.

“We may not have the same crop of players that everyone knew but we’re in Tunisia to give our best.

“Some of the players that were at the AfroBasket in 2015 have new contracts and some are injured but this competition must go on.

“As a professional coach, I am here to do my job of ensuring that Nigeria gives a good account of herself in this championship.”